Alvis Speed 20SD Cabriolet by Vanvooren
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Car producer : |
Alvis |
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Model: |
Speed 20SD Cabriolet by Vanvooren |
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Year: |
1936-1937 |
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Type: |
Coupe |
The engine for the Speed 20 was a heavily modified version of the one used in the preceding Silver Eagle cars, producing 87 bhp (65 kW). Triple SU carburettors were fitted. The chassis was new and lowered by making it a "double drop" type where the side rails go over the front and rear axles. A centralised lubrication system was fitted allowing oil to be provided to moving suspension parts through a maze of pipework. Both front and rear suspension used half-elliptic leaf springs and the brakes with 14 in (356 mm) drums, mechanically operated. The four-speed manual gearbox was mounted in-unit with the engine.
The car could be fitted with a variety of coachwork. Standard bodies were a four-door saloon from coachbuilders Charlesworth or four-door tourer by Cross and Ellis, but some cars were supplied in chassis form and carried bodies by coachbuilders such as Vanden Plas.
Approximately 400 of the SA cars were made.
The final SD version for 1936 was similar to the SC but had a larger fuel tank and slightly wider bodywork. A 130 in (3,302 mm) wheelbase version became an option.
As with many cars of the time, bodies were getting more luxurious and hence heavier. To maintain performance the Speed 20 was replaced in 1937 by the 3.5-litre Speed 25 model.
According to the Alvis Owners' Club, 149 examples of the SD were produced.
